THESE words so pained the fair, that gushing tears Bedewed Alaciel's cheeks, her looks spoke fears; The ardent flame which she'd so long concealed; Burst forth in sighs, and all its warmth revealed; While such emotion Hispal's eyes expressed, That more than words his anxious wish confessed. These tender scenes were followed by a kiss, The prelude sweet of soft enchanting bliss; But whether taken, or by choice bestowed, Alike 'twas clear, their heaving bosoms glowed. THOSE vows now o'er, said Hispal with a sigh, In this adventure, if we're doomed to die, Indiff'rent surely 'tis, the prey to be Of birds of air, or fishes of the sea; My reason tells me ev'ry grave's the same, Return we must, at last, from whence we came, Here ling'ring death alone we can expect; To brave the waves 'tis better to elect; I yet have strength, and 'tis not far to land; The wind sets fair: let's try to gain the strand; From rock to rock we'll go: I many view, Where I can rest; to THIS we'll bid adieu. TO move, Alaciel readily agreed; Again our couple ventured to proceed; The casket safe in tow; the weather hot; From rock to rock with care our swimmer got; The princess, anxious on his back to keep:-- New mode of traversing the wat'ry deep. WITH Heav'n's assistance, and the rocks for rest, The youth, by hunger and fatigue oppressed, Uneasiness of mind, weighed down with care, Not for himself, but safety of the fair, A fast of two long tedious days now o'er, The casket and the belle he brought on shore: I THINK you cry--how wond'rously exact, To bring the casket into ev'ry act! Is that a circumstance of weight I pray? It truly seems so, and without delay, You'll see if I be wrong; no airy flight, Or jeer, or raillery, have I in sight. Had I embarked our couple in a ship Without or cash or jewels for the trip, Distress had followed, you must be aware; 'Tis past our pow'r to live on love or air; In vain AFFECTION ev'ry effort tries Inexorable hunger ALL defies. THE casket, with the diamonds proved a source, To which 'twas requisite to have recourse; Some Hispal sold, and others put in pawn, And purchased, near the coast, a house and lawn; With woods, extensive park, and pleasure ground; And many bow'rs and shady walks around, Where charming hours they passed, and this 'twas plain, Without the casket they could n'er obtain.